Calling on Oregonians to officially recognize hydroelectric energy as renewable, State Rep. Greg Smith (R – Heppner) kicked off the petition drive for the Affordable Renewable Energy Act as the first signer.
House District 57 contains several of Oregon’s largest hydroelectric producers and key industries have selected the district because of this low-cost and renewable energy source.
“Renewable, low-cost energy from hydroelectric sources has been instrumental in the economic development of Eastern Oregon and is a key electricity source for all Oregonians,” Smith said. “I am honored to be the first Oregonian to sign the petition for the Affordable Renewable Energy Act. It recognizes the fact that hydro power is renewable, sustainable, and affordable.”
“Many industries have selected places like the Port of Morrow and Hermiston specifically because of our affordable and renewable hydroelectricity,” Smith said. “For example, Amazon located their server facility at the Port of Morrow because hydro is renewable. It is time for Oregon to recognize it as such.”
The Affordable Renewable Energy Act has support from business leaders from Eastern Oregon, as well.
“This measure will allow Eastern Oregon to continue to be competitive for businesses like Amazon which provide outstanding economic development opportunities for our region,” said Gary Neal, general manager of the Port of Morrow. “I applaud Rep. Smith for putting his energy behind this important petition.”
As a statutory change, the petition will require roughly 87,000 signatures to make the November 2014 ballot.
Smith is serving his seventh term as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. As the State Representative for House District 57, Smith represents Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman and a portion of Wasco counties.
